Humble Review: Asam Soup Chicken Rice @ Jalan Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam, Penang

At last, we managed to step into this restaurant for a meal. Some of my friends know that I've been going to mainland from time to time, particularly in Bukit Mertajam area, but I don't really explore a lot on the local food all the while. To be frank, we were lured as from the shop name contains 亚参汤 (better known locally as asam soup) that is a unique food of irresistibly yet addictively sour one in South East Asia (I suppose). The ingredients are mostly made up of fish and extracted tamarind juice.

Asam Soup 
Despite the all-time favourite Kiam Chai Buay or Asam Pedas, Asam Soup carries mild sour and not spicy at all, perfect for spicy-intolerance diners.

Chicken thigh and back (3 pax)

The meat tenderness manage to get our approval, whereas for the soy sauce, not overly-rich but it manages to lend the flavour to the meat besides enhancing the dish's color in overall.

 南乳肉 (Hakka styled roasted pork belly)
Averagely taste, therefore not a big shout out.

I urge you to try on the in-house chili paste as four of us high-grade it after our first trying (including my mum and aunt who are far experienced in food explore than I). From the two experts' humble analysis, we suppose that this awesome chili paste is a well blend of ginger, garlic and chili as well as the essential seasoning. Better yet, it's complimentary but take it moderately because you don't wish for never-ending toilet rushing experience after that,right?

As we were having a leisure discussion about the recipe on the in-house chili paste, the lady boss, perhaps heard about it. She then served us another saucer of signature one, namely 开胃酱料 which is served upon fish dish. 

They also serve a variety of fish dishes and add-ons as well, check out from the menu as below.

Clean floor has (indirectly) become a great highlight for patrons to have a comfortable dining experience.

Same goes to the stall as well.

 Oh ya, it is just opposite to the famous duck egg Char Koay Teow at 美丽华茶餐室.

Don't disappoint your tummy. Hesitate not, get yourself to the destination via Google Map!

Summary: (Scaling Point: 0 - Lowest; 5 - Highest)
Price: 3.5/5 (Moderately charged)
Taste: 3 + 0.5 / 5 (Another 0.5 denoted by the homemade chili sauce)
Cleanliness: 4/5 (One of the few restaurants that has clean floor and neat arrangement)
Dining Ambience: 3/5 (Non-air conditioned, pretty fair air ventilation)
Vehicle Parking: 2.5/5 (Might be tricky during peak lunch hour)
Business Hour:  10am - 4pm ; 6pm - 9pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Address: 2400, Jalan Kampung Baru, Kampung Baru, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. 

Contact: +60 12-477 8830
Possible for return visit? YES

PS: My apology for not being able to recall the food price.

四月：陌生的起点

这就是我喜欢独处的原因。哪管窗外传来马路上车辆还是摩多发出的噪声，把自己置身在除了自己是生物以外的房子里，通过文字抒发心情之余也同时抚平自己的心灵。

同样是小充实的月份，第一个星期我就随家人去清明扫墓。隔了三年在外头念书也配合不到时间就这样缺席了连续三次的扫墓。我一直以来都不排斥参与亲友们一同去扫墓，不过每一次去我还是同样的敬佩上一代人的手艺。不夸张，耸立了多少年，经历全年日晒雨淋且无遮盖的墓碑依然坚固着。或许是因为个人对于这考古类还蛮有兴趣的吧。

终于，我真正发现到自己原来是这么弱小，普通话指的就是“没有力”。很多人乍看我一下都说我瘦，不过其实我并不会开心，因为这根本不是运动健身的效果而是本身身体虚弱。也许靠些穿搭技术，那些五花肉比较容易在视觉中掩饰掉，我妈也都时不时念我要节食些呢。问我干嘛不去运动？缺少动力是主因（翻白眼），但是我有反省啊，这已经在计划里了。

工作方面我慢慢上了轨道，一步步来吧，我只能说。Networking也马马虎虎不过都有在尝试每一次给予的机会。真的，不是我完全熟悉的环境我就180度成了socially awkward的懦弱者。我自己也有时候看不惯自己（傻笑）。被动到这样子，难道我变了？哈哈

至于业配邀约，我也荣幸的接收了几单，都是之前没有过的体验。最significant的就是邮轮旅游啦！一直都是我想要去体验的其中一项，重点是能够同时享有皇家下午茶。我本身不爱吃过于甜的东西，人家都常挂在嘴边说女人拥有第二个胃留给甜品，我呢就只有第一个主胃里只留了小空间给甜品而已。我不太会欣赏但是整体的体验是不赖的，起码多了个另类体验，Thanks Buddha.

在邮轮上迎着海风观赏日出真的很陶醉。

继续履行责任过生活，也从弱点中调整全新出发。

芒果和NUTELLA的混调口味,行得通吗？MANGOTELLA SERIES BY CAFFEBENE MALAYSIA

你懂的，自从Piko太郎把【笔，凤梨还有苹果】给成功结合并输入你脑袋后，基本上这世界没有什么结合体是办不到的了。Caffebene Malaysia 也来搭上列车，最近推出了芒果及NUTELLA (巧克力榛果酱）热带口味的韩式刨冰（BINGSU），名为 MANGOTELLA 。不管你是单爱吃芒果的还是NUTELLA铁粉又或者是以上两个都超爱的食客，这限时优惠系列把它给配上刨冰，势必要你一起抵挡酷热天气！

The sky is the limit. Ever since the evolution combo of 'Pen Pineapple Apple Pen', it is expected to reveal more and more fantastic brand new things. So you think you like to eat mango a lot? Or you are one of the NUTELLA fever fans? Or even you are the food lover who can accept the combination of the two food as mention? Caffebene Malaysia hears you guys! This time round, they launch a brand new seasonal series, namely MANGOTELLA. Now you have a concrete reason to go for a tropical taste of Bingsu with your bffs especially during this summer time, ain't it?


不要以为这优惠系列只限于雪隆区，因为你可在Caffebene 全马任何一间分行均可享有！MANGOTELLA概括了四种选择，分别为招牌超大碗刨冰（酸乳芒果口味，芒果及nutella口味），SMOOTHIE 混调冰沙 还有 让你享有口感的WAFFLE！价格在于RM 11.90 和 RM 29.90 之间。
（享吃秘诀：记得把刨冰搅拌均匀以享有最佳口味，就像韩式石锅拌饭一样搅法）

Now made available in Caffebene Malaysia outlets nationwide, there are four selections up to grab under MANGOTELLA, including the signature bingsu (available in Mango Yogurt Bingsu and Mangotella Bingsu), smoothie and also the all-time favourite, waffle! Price range between RM 11.90 and RM 29.90.
Tips: Mix up thoroughly to get the best taste experience of bingsu, do it exactly like how you mix Bibimbap!

Mango Yogurt Bingsu (RM 29.90)

一大碗的刨冰配上芒果切块和酸乳意式雪糕，让你拥有饱足的冰冰口感。

也别忘了那芒果口味甜酱，微酸带点甜之余，杏仁片还同时允许脆口感加入进呢！（光是那分量很大方的杏仁片已经把我给迷醉了！）

You could easily have a satisfyingly mouthful of each spoon, all thanks to the combo of shaved ice with mango cubes and yogurt gelato. The dressings of sweet mango syrup balance the sourness in overall. What excites me the most is the generous amount of almond slices that shimmer on top of the bingsu! The mild and crunchiness from it definitely unleash the fantastic flavour in your molar.

Mangotella Bingsu (RM 29.90)

这被称为是“梦幻组合”包含了芒果以及全城最爱的NUTELLA 巧克力酱口味呢！同样是那么大份，芒果切块依然在，不同的是这里有NUTELLA口味的意式雪糕加上NUTELLA坚果巧克力酱，芒果本身的酸味再配上坚果巧克力口味，必定俘获不少很多女性食客的少女心吧！对了，这口味的刨冰打底的是混合坚果还有曲奇饼碎。个人比较喜欢纯芒果口味的刨冰，或许我不是NUTELLA的铁粉，所以这碗留给我的印象是坚果巧克力味有些盖过芒果原本载有的香味。

Carrying the title of 'Dreamy combination', fans of mango and Nutella, this is dedicated to you guys! As compared to the first one, Nutella gelato is served instead and still, mango cubes are topped on the bingsu. Better yet, it is dressed by Nutella flavoured syrup this time. I bet the ladies would easily fall for them as the wonderful chocolate flavour triggers along with the fragrance of mango. Layering cookies crumbles and mixed nuts as the base, apparently, gives you the kick of little crunchiness as well. Personally, I prefer Mango Yogurt Bingsu. Nutella chocolate sauce and the gelato somehow outstand a little bit more than mango, I might not provide the absolute thoughts over it since I don't really go after Nutella.

Mangotella Waffle (RM 11.90)

不如来点可以咀嚼的，好吗？这窝夫虽然分量是小些，但你看看那堆满在上的配料，这个角度看下去，真的不易发现主角的踪影。除了有必备的芒果切块，杏仁片以及酸乳意式雪糕外，一小杯浓郁的NUTELLA坚果巧克力酱是也是卖点!  你真的忍心错过不点一个吗？口味类似于Mangtella Bingsu，只不过口感当然不一样了。也许是因为那浓郁的NUTELLA酱吧，它有点盖过了比利时窝夫本身带有的蛋香味。不过也因人而异啦，或许你真的会爱上它也说不定。

Another kind of sweet treat to choose from. Despite its small serving size but look at the toppings that is prepared abundantly, they almost cover the Belgium waffle in whole! The highlight goes to the small cup filled with creamy and rich Nutella sauce, other than the complimentary toppings include mangoes chunks, almond slices as well as yogurt gelato. Just my two cents, Nutella sauce is covering a little bit over the frangrance of waffle itself, hence, it taste fair to me in overall.

Mangotella Smoothie (RM 11.90)

喜欢边逛街边喝手中握着冰饮的你，现在有多一项选择了。含有芒果NUTELLA芳香位的冰沙，真的是热天的避暑品之一呢！

You now have another new choice as your companion as you stroll in the mall. With the mild sweet and essential fragrance from both mangoes and Nutella, it is apparently one of the best remedies in this summer season!

个人觉得刨冰可以细幼些，口感会更绝佳。

I'd think a much better taste experience could be achieved if fine shaved ice is prepared.

Make sure you pay a visit to Gurney Paragon outlet if you live in northern region.

Summary: (Scaling Point: 0 - Lowest; 5 - Highest)

Price: 2/5 (Above average)
Taste: 3/5 (Mainly contributed by Mango Yogurt Bingsu)
Dining Ambience: 3/5 (Conventional dessert outlets, Korean inspired interior design)
Vehicle Parking: 3/5 (Multi-storey parking lots in the Gurney Paragon and street parking)
Facebook Page: Caffebene Malaysia

Sponsored Post
Thanks to Mr Silven Tan for hosting us and Miss Miriam Goh for the arrangement.

Humble Review: Mizi Bistro @ Tesco Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, Penang

Penangites wouldn't be unfamiliar toward Mizi Bistro over its super value meal in terms of the portion, I kid you not, this is my first time stepping into the premise to try it out. (Hard to find kaki that's why). Mizi Bistro provides both set lunch and dinner, however, this blog post covers only set dinner.

Chicken Parmigiana 

 As the name goes, bistro simply means a restaurant which owns a rather small operation. I'd give a high-five to you if you were to discuss about the cozy ambience! No filter done on the photos here, double thumbs up for Mizi Bistro bringing the sense of comfort and coziness simply under camera lens.

I could easily fall asleep in such environment, haha!

Left: Mango juice

Right: Honey Green Tea

A little basket of bread roll and few butter cubes

Fresh Pumpkin Soup (Complimentary in set meal)

Ala Carte - RM 10.05
One word, delicious. I don't brag but this warm soup truly excite me thoroughly!
The soup is moderately creamy that is not overly stimulating your taste buds.
Beside it is best consumed warm, the topping, oven roasted almond flakes is quite crunchy. It is apparently a great highlight as it ushers a wonderful taste in overall.

Our Signature 'Mushroom Soup' (Complimentary in set meal)

Ala Carte - RM 10.60

Another great one to go but it is rather common as compared to pumpkin soup,haha!

Suitable for conservative diner anyway.

Our mains served shortly as we have just bottomed ourselves with the starters.

Chicken Parmigiana 

Ala carte - RM 21.20

Set Meal - RM 29.70 (inclusive of starter  + drinks + free flow of ice cream)

Crumb-coated breast of chicken. Topped with tomato, mozzarella cheese and oregano.

It is absolutely out of my...imagination, perhaps, when it is served in front of me.

The large size of chicken breast is simply more than enough but hold on, I still have a portion of pasta to be finish. Moreover, the boiled selected vegetables (pickled cauliflower, crinkle-cut carrots and peas) are in a rather larger serving than than of common restaurants.

Oh ya, the cheese is fair to dress up in overall. You feel full over its large portion but not the cheesy flavour as it stands moderately, I bet!

Fish Fillet ' Monte Carlo'

Ala Carte: RM 22.25

Set Meal: RM 29.70 (inclusive of starter  + drinks + free flow of ice cream)Pan-fried topped with onions, tomato, mushroom and capers in a herbed butter cream sauce

Diners who looking for a creamy taste should consider this.

We pick this under the waiter's recommendation though, and of course, the outcome doesn't turn us down.

To be frank, the aroma of butter cream sauce hook us as it is serving out toward our table. 

Selected boiled vegetables includes crinkle-cut carrots, potato and pea.

I'm indeed simply contented on a mouthful of dory fillet with a dip of sauce, better yet, the freshness is the key!

You could view the menu on Mizi Bistro official website (click me). Price range of ala carte menu is between RM 8 and RM 45. My recommendation is go for set meal (RM 29.70 nett) if you don't wish to have the chef's specialties like steak. 

Summary: (Scaling Point: 0-Lowest ; 5- Highest)
Price: 3.5/5 (Slightly above average but valued over its serving portion, GST included)
Taste: 4/5 (Credit to Pumpkin Soup and Chicken Parmigiana)
Dining Ambience: 3.5/5
Vehicle Parking: 4.5/5 (Ample parking lots provided in Tesco Tanjung Pinang vehicle parking premise)

Krystal Point Corporate Park 2
Address: 1-1-27/28, Lebuh Bukit Kecil 6, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Reservation: 04-6386508 / 016-4123273 / 012-4922921
Business Hour: 11am - 3pm and 6pm - 11pm (Opens daily)

Tesco Tanjung Pinang
Address: G3, Ground Floor, Tesco Tanjung Pinang, No 1, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong 10470 Penang
Reservation: 04-8982921
Business Hour: 11am-11pm. Opens Daily

J.L. Gourmet Cafe, Prangin Mall
Address: 33-33-09, Prangin Mall, Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong, 10100 Penang
Reservation: 04-2632921
Business Hour: 11am-9pm. Opens Daily.

Offical Website: Mizi Bistro (Log on to view the menu)

Across the sunlight

Hi there, I went for another round of outdoor portrait in early of March. This time, we are a team of four including three friends who enroll as photographers. The photo shoot was carried in a fine evening at Batu Maung. I'm indeed thrilled to view all the outcomes because the photo shoot was quite smooth!

They guided me some in posture whereas we had made a pact earlier on particularly for face expressions. This series of photos are expected to possess the concept of communication within oneself. That's simply evident with the flower and sort of plant we picked as the only prop during the photo shoot. I had a little exposure as well as experience for such photo shoot before, no doubt, this is by far the most enjoyable photo shoot I've ever participated!

We manage to grab the advantage of surroundings including the sunlight and seaside rock (near to Penang's second bridge). Warm up session took about 40 minutes with relentless count of camera shutter in order to fall in to the full mode of the feeling.

I had myself basic preparation. For dressing, I pick flare dress which is one of my favourite piece in wardrobe. I had an pre-photo shoot discussion regarding to this.
Next, make up. I had further mastered more about make up application, therefore, I just slapped on foundation, eyeliner and eyebrow, that's all!

Impressed over the photos like I do? It wouldn't turn out so much great without the photographers. Thank you Jane, Toiletduck Yam and Peter for the great contribution in terms of passion, time and effort. Lastly, I'm looking forward for future collaboration!